The evidence seems to be in favour of the notion that British poetry is currently in a period of exploration, and that it is not in the thrall of any dominant figure, or even of any dominant literary of political idea. It is for this reason that I have cast my net so wide, and have chosen to represent so many writers.

”

It was reprinted several times. In 1985 there was a revised edition, omitting some poets and adding new ones. New sections recognised the increased influence of the Northern Irish and "university" poets.